Sunspots & Age Spots

Why Do Age Spots Occur?

Age spots appear as darker tan, brown, or black spots, of varying sizes, typically appearing on the face, hands, shoulders, upper back and arms. Most age spots are harmless, and are simply areas of higher concentrations of skin pigment that have developed due to sun exposure and genetic factors. If your parents have developed sun spots, it is likely that you will too, even if you have consistently protected your skin from sun damage by applying sunscreen. Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays reduces the natural ability of the skin to repair itself. As it attempts to do so, a pigment called melanin is secreted – the body’s attempt to shield the skin from further damage.